Minister Stan Hagen & WestJet Greg Lang marshalling plane


From left on back row: comox mayor jim brass, Cumberland mayor fred bates, Minister Hagen, 19 wing col Fred Bigelow;
Front row: west jet MJ Vandeven & CVAC chair Dave Mellin.

The Comox Valley Airport ( F/O C. Cottingham Terminal) opened its doors in April 2004. Since that time, one million passengers have chosen to fly through YQQ. To celebrate this impressive benchmark the community was invited to a party on April 26, 2008 as a thank you for all of the support and patronage over the years.

On airside MLA for the Comox Valley & BC Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts Stan Hagen tried his hand at marshalling in a WestJet flight (with the expert coaching of Greg Lang, Duty Manager for WJ in Calgary).

Inside the terminal Minister Hagen welcomed the large crowd stating "Everyone at the Comox Valley Airport should be commended for their dedication to growth and customer service. Being rated number one in Customer Service in Canadian Airports for the last four years, while experiencing a 65% increase in passengers, is an impressive accomplishment."

Festivities include the talented musical trio Things with Strings (Allan Jossul, Leslie Eaton & Rachel Mooney), who played mandolin, violin & guitar. For the young at heart, Lawrence of Lots of Laughs created airplane balloons, and face painter Nadia added her artistic touch to little peoples' faces. Of course a party would not be complete without clowns and cake. Thanks to the generosity of many airport and community businesses there were numerous door prizes.